1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 264. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 264. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 434 kg more than 1978 Volvo 264. 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 264. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 264. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Volvo 264 has manual transmission. 1978 Volvo 264 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 264 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
