1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1973 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 1800. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 420 kg more than 1973 Volvo 1800. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volvo 1800. (154 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1973 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2460 mm |
