1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Volvo 66
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 66.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 66. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1979 Volvo 66 has manual transmission. 1979 Volvo 66 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 66 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1550 mm |
