1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2003 Volvo V70
To start off, 2003 Volvo V70 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V70 (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2003 Volvo V70.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70, 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, 2003 Volvo V70 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 62 L |
