1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1995 Porsche 965
To start off, 1995 Porsche 965 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Porsche 965 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Porsche 965 (356 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Porsche 965 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 140 kg more than 1995 Porsche 965.
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 965 (530 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Porsche 965 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 965 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 965 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 356 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2270 mm |
