1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (133 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (53 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 1959 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1200 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 1200 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 62 L |
