1975 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. (132 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1975 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 619 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3090 mm |
