1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2010 Seat Leon
To start off, 2010 Seat Leon is newer by 32 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, 2010 Seat Leon (238 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Seat Leon 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 51 kg more than 2010 Seat Leon.
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, 2010 Seat Leon, 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, 2010 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Seat Leon 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 | 2010 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Seat |
| Model | 240 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
