1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,824 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2008 Porsche 911.
Because 2008 Porsche 911 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Porsche 911 (400 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2008 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 2008 Porsche 911 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 | 2008 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 280 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 3824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 288 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2360 mm |
