1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1987 Volvo 740 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1 more horse power than 1987 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1987 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 278 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740. 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, 1987 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 740 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| 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 | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2780 mm |
