1989 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 1800. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 500 kg more than 1973 Volvo 1800. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volvo 1800. (154 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volvo 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2460 mm |
