1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 240 | S |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2398 cc | 3498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 302 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 370 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 5096 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 3165 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |