1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Polo 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Polo 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 415 kg more than 2010 Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 Volkswagen Polo (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2470 mm |
