1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2002 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2002 Peugeot 406 is newer by 24 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Peugeot 406 (152 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 37 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, 2002 Peugeot 406, 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, 2002 Peugeot 406 (210 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Peugeot 406 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 | 2002 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Peugeot |
| Model | 240 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
