1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, 1996 Volvo S40 is newer by 21 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 2,402 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo S40 (138 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 167 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40.
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, 1996 Volvo S40, 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, 1996 Volvo S40 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo S40 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 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 240 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2560 mm |
