1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 vs. 1957 Volvo 120
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (219 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1957 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 should accelerate faster than 1957 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1957 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 (329 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 420 | 1957 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 420 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
