1959 Volvo 120 vs. 2010 Citroen C3
To start off, 2010 Citroen C3 is newer by 51 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 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volvo 120 (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2010 Citroen C3. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 2010 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Citroen C3 weights approximately 27 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120.
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, 2010 Citroen C3, 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, 2010 Citroen C3 (147 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 2010 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Volvo | Citroen |
| Model | 120 | C3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2470 mm |
