1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1975 Volvo 240
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1975 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1975 Volvo 240. 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 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volvo 240. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1975 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
