1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S80. (281 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 370 kg more than 2008 Volvo S80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volvo S80 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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 (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volvo S80. (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
