2004 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Porsche Pan Americana would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Porsche Pan Americana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (247 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Porsche Pan Americana weights approximately 201 kg more than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Porsche Pan Americana 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 1990 Porsche Pan Americana. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1990 Porsche Pan Americana (310 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1990 Porsche Pan Americana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | 1990 Porsche Pan Americana | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | A | Pan Americana |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2034 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2280 mm |
