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 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 224 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 130 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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.
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 | 296 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 :1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
