1997 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 911 (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (171 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | C | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1799 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 | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 64 L |
