1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. (163 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 705 kg more than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 has manual transmission. 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1961 Alfa Romeo 2600 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SL | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 47 L |
