1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (95 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 115 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (186 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | A |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 54 L |
