1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1990 Volvo 460
To start off, 1990 Volvo 460 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 460 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 460 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1990 Volvo 460.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 460, 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, 1990 Volvo 460 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 460 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1990 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 460 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
