1978 Volvo 265 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 411 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 265 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 265 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volvo 265 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 265 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
