1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 1999 Subaru Legacy

To start off, 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 55 kg more than 1999 Subaru Legacy.

Because 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy 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 Legacy (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 1999 Subaru Legacy
Make Mercedes-Benz Subaru
Model 240 Legacy
Year Released 1978 1999
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2398 cc 2457 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line boxer
Horse Power 72 HP 154 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 137 Nm 219 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 90.9 mm 99.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 92.4 mm 79 mm
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 8 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1565 kg 1510 kg
Vehicle Length 5360 mm 4600 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 3430 mm 2640 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 65 L 64 L