1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 2004 Volvo S80
To start off, 2004 Volvo S80 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 72 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S80. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S80 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
Because 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volvo S80. (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volvo S80. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 2004 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 2004 Volvo S80 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 2004 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 350 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2800 mm |
