1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 336 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 240 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
