1966 Triumph 1300 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1966 Triumph 1300 is newer by 7 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 19 more horse power than 1966 Triumph 1300. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1966 Triumph 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1966 Triumph 1300. 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, 1966 Triumph 1300, 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, 1959 Volvo 120 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Triumph 1300. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Triumph 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Triumph 1300 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Triumph | Volvo |
| Model | 1300 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
