2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Volvo 260
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 580 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 569 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 260. (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 260 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
