1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 166.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (276 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 166 | 280 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 226 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 276 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2940 mm |