1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 7 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 2,497 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 (94 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 195 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2810 mm |
