1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1998 Tata Safari
To start off, 1998 Tata Safari is newer by 20 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, 1998 Tata Safari (89 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Tata Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Tata Safari weights approximately 655 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 1998 Tata Safari is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Tata Safari will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Tata Safari (191 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Tata Safari 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 | 1998 Tata Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Tata |
| Model | 240 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2660 mm |
