1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (109 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 705 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (246 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 90 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
