2006 Land Rover Defender vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender is newer by 28 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 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 165 kg more than 2006 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Land Rover Defender | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
