1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1980 Volvo 260 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
