1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 185 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (259 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 280 | 164 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
