1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 1968 Volvo 120
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 120. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1968 Volvo 120. 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 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volvo 120. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 1968 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4972 cc | 1777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
