2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1987 Volvo 240
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volvo 240 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 422 more horse power than 1987 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Volvo 240 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 473 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volvo 240. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1987 Volvo 240 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 | 1987 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | SL | 240 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| 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 | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 630 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.3 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2660 mm |
