1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1990 Volvo 440
To start off, 1990 Volvo 440 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 328 kg more than 1990 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 440, 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1990 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 440 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
