1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1962 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1962 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1962 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volvo 120. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 350 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
