1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 545 kg more than 1971 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1982 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
