2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 (305 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
