2002 McLaren F1 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2002 McLaren F1 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 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 546 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 McLaren F1 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 209 kg more than 2002 McLaren F1.
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 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 512 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 McLaren F1 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | McLaren | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | F1 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.1 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2800 mm |
