1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 1978 Volvo 265 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 265 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. (136 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B weights approximately 301 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265.
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, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B (219 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 1978 Volvo 265 has automatic transmission and 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B has manual transmission. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 265 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300B | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300B | 265 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2660 mm |
