1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1988 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1988 Rover Vitesse is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Rover Vitesse (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 42 kg more than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse, 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, 1988 Rover Vitesse (229 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Rover Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1988 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | 240 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Top Speed | 138 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1427 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2760 mm |
