2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC 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 126 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 40 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC. (189 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1959 Mercedes-Benz SC | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SC |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
