1959 Citroen 2CV vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1969 Volvo 120 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volvo 120 (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Volvo 120 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1969 Volvo 120 (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Citroen 2CV | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | 2CV | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 423 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 25 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 45 L |
