2001 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2001 AC Cobra is newer by 23 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 505 kg more than 2001 AC Cobra.
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, 2001 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | AC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Cobra | 240 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 3430 mm |
