1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 700 kg more than 1979 Volvo 260. 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
Model | SL | 260 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5987 cc | 2664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 146 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 570 Nm | 218 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4890 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |