1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (170 Nm). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 280 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
