1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2011 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2011 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 33 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 428 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ascari KZ1 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 215 kg more than 2011 Ascari KZ1.
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, 2011 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Ascari KZ1 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 | 2011 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ascari |
| Model | 240 | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2636 mm |
