1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 5,784 cc (12 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S (361 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 605 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2000 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2000 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 5784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 6160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 4090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
