1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1355 kg more than 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alfasud | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2870 mm |
