1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (281 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 500 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
