1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP) has 126 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 708 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1956 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1956 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2110 mm |
