1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 39 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (530 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 152 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 (699 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Porsche 911 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche 911 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 530 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 67 L |
