1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (136 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 865 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 156 | S |
Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2386 cc | 2998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 136 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 231 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2215 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2870 mm |