2009 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 21 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 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 60 kg more than 1988 Porsche 944.
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, 2009 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 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | A | 944 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
