1974 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 1981 Porsche 944 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 265 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 944 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
