2009 Volvo C30 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volvo C30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volvo C30 would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2009 Volvo C30. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo C30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1232 kg more than 2009 Volvo C30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo C30, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo C30. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo C30. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Volvo C30 has manual transmission. 2009 Volvo C30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo C30 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Volvo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C30 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2520 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1598 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
