1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 85 more horse power than 2007 Volvo S40. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 350 kg more than 2007 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volvo S40 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 will offer significantly more control. 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 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volvo S40. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2007 Volvo S40 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 | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
