1996 Porsche 993 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1996 Porsche 993. (282 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Porsche 993. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 263 kg more than 1996 Porsche 993. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Porsche 993 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Porsche 993 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche 993. (341 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche 993. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1996 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1996 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche 993 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 993 | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4724 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2766 mm |
