1980 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 120 kg more than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | A |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2430 mm |
