1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2001 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2001 Mercury Villager 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 3,276 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Villager (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Villager weights approximately 220 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, 2001 Mercury Villager, 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, 2001 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2001 Mercury Villager 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. 2001 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2001 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | 240 | Villager |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2860 mm |
