1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1964 Volvo 120
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1964 Volvo 120. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1964 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 508 kg more than 1964 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Volvo 120. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1964 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 230 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
