1959 Volvo 120 vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1981 Nissan Stanza is newer by 22 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Stanza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Stanza (87 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza.
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, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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, 1981 Nissan Stanza (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Stanza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Volvo | Nissan |
| Model | 120 | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2480 mm |
