1990 Volvo 960 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 21 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 960. (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 101 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Volvo 960 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 960 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1556 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
