1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 710 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, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1287 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
