1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 99 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (195 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3005 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 19.9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
