1979 Volvo 260 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 800 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 481 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 260 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 260 | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2664 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3165 mm |
