2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (178 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (255 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 159 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.4 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
