2000 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (217 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 405 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 260 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2660 mm |
