1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2008 Morgan Aero 8
To start off, 2008 Morgan Aero 8 is newer by 30 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Morgan Aero 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Morgan Aero 8 (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Morgan Aero 8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 345 kg more than 2008 Morgan Aero 8.
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, 2008 Morgan Aero 8 (430 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Morgan Aero 8 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 | 2008 Morgan Aero 8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Morgan |
| Model | 240 | Aero 8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
