2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1969 Volvo 1800
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 394 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 1800. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 110 kg more than 1969 Volvo 1800. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 463 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 1800. (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 1800. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1969 Volvo 1800 has manual transmission. 1969 Volvo 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1969 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 1800 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 45 L |
