1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 850. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300. (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1996 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1493 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
