1997 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (408 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 140 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
Because 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911 (420 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | E | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
