1993 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 200 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz C | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | C | 242 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2660 mm |
