1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. (138 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 240 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 133 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
