1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC70 is newer by 14 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP) has 132 more horse power than 2012 Volvo XC70. (217 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Volvo XC70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2012 Volvo XC70 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volvo XC70. (440 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volvo XC70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | XC70 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 217 HP |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4838 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1604 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2815 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
