1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1978 Porsche 930
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Porsche 930 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Porsche 930 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Porsche 930. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Porsche 930 (440 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1978 Porsche 930 has manual transmission. 1978 Porsche 930 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1978 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | A | 930 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
