1959 Volvo 120 vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1980 Ford Laser is newer by 21 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 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Laser (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser.
Because 1959 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 1959 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Laser, 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, 1980 Ford Laser (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Volvo | Ford |
| Model | 120 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2370 mm |
