1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 35 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 65 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | 240 | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2398 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 72 HP | 238 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 407 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 10.2 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1630 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4636 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2031 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1429 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |