1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1960 Volvo 120
To start off, 1960 Volvo 120 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volvo 120 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1960 Volvo 120 (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1960 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1960 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Beetle | 120 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
