1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1995 Porsche 911
To start off, 1995 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Porsche 911 (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 331 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Porsche 911 (355 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1995 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 911 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 102.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 92 L |
