1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 175 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
