2008 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2008 Lada Niva is newer by 30 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, 2008 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lada Niva 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 95 kg more than 2008 Lada Niva.
Because 2008 Lada Niva 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, 2008 Lada Niva 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lada Niva | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | 240 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
