1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 420 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2850 mm |
