1997 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1984 Volvo 740
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (303 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 740. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 230 kg more than 1984 Volvo 740. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (410 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 740. (143 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 740. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1984 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1984 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | 1984 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | C | 740 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 80 L |
