1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 410 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33.
Because 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S 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 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 33 | 170S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
