1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 449 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
