1961 Abarth 700 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1961 Abarth 700 is newer by 2 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 13 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Volvo 120 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Abarth | Volvo |
| Model | 700 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2610 mm |
