1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1988 Porsche 944. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 746 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | 500 | 944 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2012 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2410 mm |
