1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1979 Volvo 343
To start off, 1979 Volvo 343 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 575 kg more than 1979 Volvo 343. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 343. 1979 Volvo 343 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. 1979 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1979 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
Model | 240 | 343 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |