1981 Volvo 240 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. 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 CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 432 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2875 mm |
