1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1977 Porsche 912
To start off, 1977 Porsche 912 is newer by 4 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 2,746 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 98 more horse power than 1977 Porsche 912. (87 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1977 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1977 Porsche 912. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Porsche 912. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Porsche 912.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1977 Porsche 912 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 912 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2220 mm |
