1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1986 Alfa Romeo 90
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. (109 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 kg more than 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Alfa Romeo 90. (235 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Alfa Romeo 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1986 Alfa Romeo 90 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | SL | 90 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 49 L |
