1959 Volvo 120 vs. 2012 Honda Accord
To start off, 2012 Honda Accord is newer by 53 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Accord (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Accord weights approximately 518 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 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, 2012 Honda Accord, 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, 2012 Honda Accord (219 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 2012 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Volvo | Honda |
| Model | 120 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1513 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4851 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2741 mm |
