1983 Volvo 740 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 740. (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 225 kg more than 1983 Volvo 740. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK (509 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 740. (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 740. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1983 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1983 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Volvo 740 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 740 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2316 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 509 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
