2005 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 Volvo 240. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 370 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | C | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
