1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1980 Porsche 911
To start off, 1980 Porsche 911 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Porsche 911 (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 263 kg more than 1980 Porsche 911.
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, 1980 Porsche 911 (256 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1980 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 240 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 70.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
