2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 60 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 19.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
