1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1974 Porsche 911
To start off, 1974 Porsche 911 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Porsche 911. (151 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1974 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1974 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Porsche 911 (240 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1974 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 80 L |
