1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 815 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2610 mm |
