1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 575 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 500 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
