1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1970 Volvo 145
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 145 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 80 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 145. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1970 Volvo 145. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1970 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | 145 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2744 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2620 mm |
