2008 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Volvo 265
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 6,207 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 265. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 551 kg more than 1978 Volvo 265. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 265. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | S | 265 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6207 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3170 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 60 L |
