1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (172 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (255 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 300 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
