1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1970 Volvo 120
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1970 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1970 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volvo 120. (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1970 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 230 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
