2009 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 is newer by 31 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 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 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 290 kg more than 2009 Alfa Romeo 147.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 147 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 147 | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 65 L |
