Comparison Volvo 240 <--> W 123?

The W 123 would be the winner. The structure of the Volvo was too stiff, the front end wouldn't absorb the impact as the Mercedes does.

Anothe aspect is the material choosed for the interior. Mercedes choosed better materials which wouldn't splinter as the plastic in the Volvo does.

The Volvo was a great car, no question. But a lot of it safe reputation came from the drivers, which tend to have been the calmer ones.

But the W 123 would be the safer car in pretty much all aspects.

Kind regards
Eberhard