1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. (136 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 170 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | S | 156 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 2386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2600 mm |
