1998 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
