1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1987 Volvo 740
To start off, 1987 Volvo 740 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Volvo 740 (156 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1987 Volvo 740.
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, 1987 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1987 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 230 | 740 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 156 HP |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2780 mm |
