1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 794 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
