1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 26 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (444 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 372 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 979 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 2004 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Touareg (600 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 463 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg 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. 2004 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2004 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 2544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 100 L |
