1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (127 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 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 15 kg more than 2011 Mazda 6.
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, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2011 Mazda 6 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. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
| Model | 240 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
