1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo, 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. (223 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dardo | 450 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2970 mm |
