1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 8 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 281 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 65 L |
