1972 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1972 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. (121 Nm). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 420 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
