1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
