1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 14 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 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 210 kg more than 1993 Volvo 850.
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, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (176 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 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 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2670 mm |
