1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 Nissan NV
To start off, 2012 Nissan NV 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan NV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan NV (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan NV should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan NV weights approximately 1070 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 Nissan NV (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan NV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2012 Nissan NV 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 Nissan NV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2012 Nissan NV | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | 240 | NV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 2635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 6111 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2029 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 2131 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 3711 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 106 L |
