1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (112 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 540 kg more than 1983 Volvo 240. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1983 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
Model | SL | 240 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2316 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 471 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |