2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 3,220 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 425 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (479 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | S | 944 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3220 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 479 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2410 mm |
