1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 is newer by 12 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 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (109 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. 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, 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 (235 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 90 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2391 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 82 L |
