1983 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 29 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 570 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. (183 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1983 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Spider | SLK |
Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1962 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 126 HP | 415 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 183 Nm | 539 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4102 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1793 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2431 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |