1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S80. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S80 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S80, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2800 mm |
