2002 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Porsche 944 weights approximately 117 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Porsche 944 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 1988 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A. 2002 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1988 Porsche 944 has manual transmission. 1988 Porsche 944 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz A | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | A | 944 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2084 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
