1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alfasud | 280 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 95 L |
