1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 1983 Volvo 740 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (180 HP) has 46 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1983 Volvo 740.
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, 1983 Volvo 740 (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 230 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 180 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
