1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1989 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 99 kg more than 1989 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1976 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1989 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 280 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 70 L |
