1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1997 Rover 800
To start off, 1997 Rover 800 is newer by 19 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 (6 cylinders), 1997 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Rover 800 (173 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800 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 130 kg more than 1997 Rover 800.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Rover 800, 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, 1997 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1997 Rover 800 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. 1997 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1997 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Rover |
| Model | 240 | 800 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2780 mm |
