1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1996 Porsche 993
To start off, 1996 Porsche 993 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche 993 (283 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993.
Because 1996 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 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, 1996 Porsche 993 (341 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1996 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 993 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 174 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2280 mm |
