1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (330 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 115 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
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, 2012 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | C | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 64 L |
