1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 1990 Volvo 960 (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 250 | 960 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2525 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 206 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 | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
