1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. (223 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Dardo | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Dardo | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2570 mm |
