1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (80 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 810 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 638 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. (162 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta has manual transmission. 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alfetta | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3090 mm |
