1990 Volvo 960 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 204 kg more than 1990 Volvo 960.
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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1990 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 960 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 960 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1556 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
