1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1979 Volvo 265
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1979 Volvo 265. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1979 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 380 | 265 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3818 cc | 2662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2660 mm |
