1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (251 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
Model | 280 | 850 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2317 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 182 HP | 251 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 241 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1545 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |