1993 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Volvo 260
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 410 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 260 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
