1956 Volvo 120 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1956 Volvo 120. 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volvo 120 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 120 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2660 mm |
