2011 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2012 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volvo S80 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2012 Volvo S80. (240 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2012 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo S80 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo S80, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volvo S80. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | 2012 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volvo |
| Model | C | S80 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1706 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1862 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2835 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
