1974 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 635 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.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1974 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 has manual transmission. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | 240 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 3430 mm |
