2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (236 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S 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 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | 300S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1951 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 15 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
