1971 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo GT 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 95 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo GT. (87 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 495 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo GT. 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 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo GT. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo GT | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT | 280 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 65 L |
