1989 Alfa Romeo RZ Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Alfa Romeo RZ is 1380 kg (approximately 3042 lbs), which represents the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating consumables but without passengers or cargo. The maximum allowed weight, which includes passengers and luggage, is 1550 kg (about 3417 lbs). This weight balance helps maintain the car's sporty feel while ensuring adequate structural integrity and performance.

The Alfa Romeo RZ offers a luggage capacity of 120 liters (around 4.2 cubic feet) with rear seats in their normal position. When the rear seats are folded, the storage volume increases significantly to 390 liters (approximately 13.8 cubic feet). This dual-state luggage flexibility allows for carrying more gear when needed, despite the RZ’s compact sports car design and limited cabin space.

The Alfa Romeo RZ rides on 225/50 ZR16 tires. This size combines a relatively wide tread width (225 mm) with a performance-oriented 50 aspect ratio and 16-inch diameter wheels. These tires offer a balance between sporty handling, grip, and ride comfort, enhancing the car’s agile nature and road-holding capabilities, especially important for a lightweight convertible sports car like the RZ.

Yes, the Alfa Romeo RZ will fit comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Standard garage dimensions are typically around 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) in length. With its length of 4060 mm (about 4.06 meters or 13.3 feet), width of 1730 mm (1.73 meters or 5.68 feet), and height of 1300 mm (1.3 meters or 4.3 feet), the RZ fits well within these parameters, allowing for easy parking and storage.

The Alfa Romeo RZ did not have a direct predecessor in the same model line, as it was a limited-production roadster developed jointly with Zagato after the Alfa Romeo Spider. Compared to the Alfa Romeo Spider from the same era, the RZ is slightly more compact and sporty, with a length of 4060 mm versus the Spider’s approximately 4180 mm, a narrower width of 1730 mm compared to around 1700 mm for the Spider, and a lower height of 1300 mm versus 1300-1350 mm. This resulted in a lower and more aggressive stance with a more rigid body, reflecting the RZ’s unique position in Alfa Romeo’s lineup.

When compared to similar cabriolets of its era, such as the Mazda MX-5 NA or BMW Z1, the Alfa Romeo RZ is modest in size but slightly heavier. For instance, the Mazda MX-5 NA is smaller in length (around 3970 mm) and lighter (approximately 950 kg), while the BMW Z1 is similar in length (about 3970 mm) but wider and heavier. With a length of 4060 mm, width of 1730 mm, and a curb weight of 1380 kg, the RZ offers a balance of classic Italian sports car proportions combined with a more substantial build quality and a distinctive Zagato styling.

The Alfa Romeo RZ’s compact dimensions contribute to agile handling, making it particularly well-suited for tight urban environments and winding roads. Its relatively low height of 1300 mm lowers the center of gravity and enhances stability around corners. The narrow width of 1730 mm also aids maneuverability through narrow streets or parking spaces. Moreover, its length of just over 4 meters ensures it remains easy to park and drive daily without sacrificing the sporty appeal inherent to the car.

While the Alfa Romeo RZ is designed primarily as a sporty cabriolet, it offers reasonable practicality for its class. The luggage capacity of 120 liters (4.2 cubic feet) is modest but can accommodate everyday essentials or small suitcases. Folding the rear seats expands the carrying capacity substantially to 390 liters (13.8 cubic feet), providing increased utility. However, being a two-seater sports car, interior space is limited and designed with driver-focused ergonomics rather than maximizing passenger comfort or cargo volume.

The Alfa Romeo RZ’s curb weight of 1380 kg (3042 lbs) is somewhat heavier compared to other lightweight sports cabriolets like the Mazda MX-5 NA, which weighs about 950 kg (2094 lbs). This extra weight comes from the car’s robust construction and the inclusion of luxury features typical of Italian sports cars of the period. While the added weight may slightly reduce outright acceleration, it enhances overall stability and ride quality. The weight distribution and suspension tuning combine to produce a responsive, engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort.