2002 Cadillac CTS vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2002 Cadillac CTS is newer by 24 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 3,173 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Cadillac CTS (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 53 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, 2002 Cadillac CTS (296 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. 2002 Cadillac CTS 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. 2002 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac CTS | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CTS | 240 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3173 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 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 | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1618 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
