1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo S40 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Volvo S40 (321 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 190 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2461 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
