1959 Berkeley B vs. 1972 Volvo 1800
To start off, 1972 Volvo 1800 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 1800 (115 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 1800 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 834 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volvo 1800 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 1972 Volvo 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, 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, 1972 Volvo 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 1972 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Volvo |
| Model | B | 1800 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2460 mm |
