2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 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 @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (176 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 474 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Porsche 944. (281 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | E | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2685 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2390 mm |
