1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S80. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Because 1959 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 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300. (271 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
