1996 Honda S-MX vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,404 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 62 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda S-MX | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-MX | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2760 mm |
