1959 Volvo 120 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 590 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volvo | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
