1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 244. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 450 kg more than 1974 Volvo 244. 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 244. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 244. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Volvo 244 has manual transmission. 1974 Volvo 244 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 244 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1854 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
