1985 Alfa Romeo 90 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 365 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 70 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 90. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 90 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 90 | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
