1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2009 Volvo XC70 is newer by 11 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 3,192 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo XC70 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2009 Volvo XC70 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, 2009 Volvo XC70 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo XC70. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo XC70. 2009 Volvo XC70 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo XC70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
