1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Porsche 993
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche 993. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche 993 would be higher. At 3,589 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche 993 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche 993 (282 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche 993 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 386 kg more than 1997 Porsche 993.
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, 1997 Porsche 993 (341 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche 993 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche 993 has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche 993 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 1997 Porsche 993 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 993 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 341 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2280 mm |
