1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 330 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.
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 Sharan, 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 Sharan (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
