1959 Volvo 120 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 52 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 665 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.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Volvo 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
