1962 Mercedes-Benz SE vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE. (190 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SE | 944 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2195 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
