1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1996 Volvo S40
To start off, both 1996 Mercedes-Benz S and 1996 Volvo S40 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Volvo S40. (89 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 730 kg more than 1996 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volvo S40, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo S40. (177 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo S40. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo S40 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 | 1996 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
