2003 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo GT | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 85 L |
