1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1438 kg more than 1973 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | C |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2404 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
