1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 3 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 167 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 240 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2620 mm |
