1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 398 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (206 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1972 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1972 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
