1996 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 13 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (222 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1445 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (540 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
