1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2007 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2007 Volvo XC70 is newer by 28 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 24 more horse power than 2007 Volvo XC70. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo XC70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 181 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Because 2007 Volvo XC70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volvo XC70 (340 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo XC70 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 | 2007 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 280 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 340 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 | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1741 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2770 mm |
