1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1999 Subaru Forester
To start off, 1999 Subaru Forester is newer by 21 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Forester (168 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester 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 105 kg more than 1999 Subaru Forester.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 1999 Subaru Forester 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, 1999 Subaru Forester (240 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1999 Subaru Forester 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. 1999 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 1999 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | 240 | Forester |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2530 mm |
