1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 200 | 156 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 3177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 29.4 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
