1957 Volvo 120 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1957 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1957 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 312 kg more than 1957 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Volvo 120 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 1957 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2002 Volkswagen Passat (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Volvo 120 | 2002 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2680 mm |
