1980 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Porsche 911
To start off, 1997 Porsche 911 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 911 (520 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1997 Porsche 911 (685 Nm) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. (306 Nm). This means 1997 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz S. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 911 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 520 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 685 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
