2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 535 kg more than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 729 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Spider | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 613 HP |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2585 mm |
