1971 Ford 17 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 490 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 17 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 65 L |
