1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint is newer by 5 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint.
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, 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Alfa Romeo Sprint | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sprint | 240 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
