1969 Volvo 120 vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1969 Volvo 120. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1969 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 566 kg more than 1969 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, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Volvo 120. (158 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Volvo 120 | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Volvo | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 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 |
