1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 3,198 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1980 Volvo 260. 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 (310 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | 300 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 3198 cc | 2848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2660 mm |
