1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2007 Volvo S80
To start off, 2007 Volvo S80 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S80 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S80 weights approximately 99 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volvo S80 (340 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2007 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 230 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
