1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 325 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 663 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 88 L |
