1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 120. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1969 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 120. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
