1969 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1235 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 S (231 Nm) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider. (115 Nm). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2870 mm |
