1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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, 2012 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 300 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 64 L |
