1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 676 kg more than 1972 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1972 Alfa Romeo GT has manual transmission. 1972 Alfa Romeo GT will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT | S |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2950 mm |
