1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is newer by 10 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 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, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 240 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2530 mm |
