1956 BMW 507 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 311 kg more than 1956 BMW 507.
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, 1956 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 507 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 507 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 65 L |
