1961 Volvo 120 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP) has 86 more horse power than 1961 Volvo 120. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 601 kg more than 1961 Volvo 120. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Volvo 120 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volvo | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 145 HP |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
