1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 34 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2012 BMW Z4 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. 2012 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 240 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
