1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 1977 Volvo 343
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 (94 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1977 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1977 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1977 Volvo 343. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volvo 343. 1977 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 1977 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 250 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
