1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 718 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alfasud | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
