1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 23 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 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 30 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz E.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2840 mm |
