1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 651 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7291 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 766 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
