1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 Mercedes-Benz 380. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 380 | 146 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 50 L |
