1974 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 51 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV.
Because 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 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 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GTV | A |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 54 L |
