1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 (190 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 90 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S | 166 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 72 L |
