2004 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2004 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2004 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Fiat Panda 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Panda. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Panda | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Panda | 240 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 65 L |
