1997 Volvo V90 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 443 more horse power than 1997 Volvo V90. (178 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo V90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 690 kg more than 1997 Volvo V90. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 739 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo V90. (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo V90. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 Volvo V90 has manual transmission. 1997 Volvo V90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volvo V90 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | V90 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2922 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
