2007 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 195 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | C | 240 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
