1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1983 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
