1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1997 Volvo S90
To start off, 1997 Volvo S90 is newer by 19 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 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo S90 (177 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo S90 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 645 kg more than 1997 Volvo S90.
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, 1997 Volvo S90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo S90 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 | 1997 Volvo S90 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | S90 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
