1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2003 Holden Monaro
To start off, 2003 Holden Monaro is newer by 25 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Holden Monaro (229 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Holden Monaro should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Monaro 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.
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, 2003 Holden Monaro (374 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2003 Holden Monaro 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. 2003 Holden Monaro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2003 Holden Monaro | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Holden |
| Model | 240 | Monaro |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1602 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2800 mm |
