1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
