2004 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (237 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (165 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 26 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
