1989 Volvo 240 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 421 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 240. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 940 kg more than 1989 Volvo 240. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 642 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 240. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Volvo 240 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 240 | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 536 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 799 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 2230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3165 mm |
