1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 398 kg more than 1978 Volvo 260. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 260. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 260. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 260 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 260 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 560 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2660 mm |
