1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (89 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Alfasud | 240 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3430 mm |
