1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 420 kg more than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164. (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Alfa Romeo 164.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 164 | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2585 mm |
