2009 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 30 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 24 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz E.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | E | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2660 mm |
