1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 256 kg more than 1981 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 260 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
