1996 Volvo 960 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 123 kg more than 1996 Volvo 960. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo 960. (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 960 | SLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1623 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2078 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1262 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2680 mm |
