1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2013 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2013 Porsche Cayman is newer by 35 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 (4 cylinders), 2013 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Porsche Cayman (261 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 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 2013 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, 2013 Porsche Cayman (300 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 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 | 4347 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1304 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2415 mm |
