1971 Alfa Romeo GTA vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA (93 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 305 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA.
Because 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA 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 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo GTA | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GTA | A |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | 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 | 93 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 54 L |
