1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2000 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2000 Toyota Solara is newer by 22 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Toyota Solara (187 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Toyota Solara weights approximately 45 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, 2000 Toyota Solara, 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, 2000 Toyota Solara (283 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm). This means 2000 Toyota Solara 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 | 2000 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 240 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2610 mm |
