2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (144 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 156 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2850 mm |
