1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 885 kg more than 1990 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 (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 673 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (157 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1990 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:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 4.5 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 | 1160 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
