1959 Lotus Seven vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, both 1959 Lotus Seven and 1959 Volvo 120 were released in the same year (1959). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Seven. (36 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1959 Lotus Seven. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Seven | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Seven | 120 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 947 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3280 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2610 mm |
