1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 370 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260.
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, both vehicles can yield 230 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300S | 260 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2660 mm |
