1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1970 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Volvo 120 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volvo 120 weights approximately 515 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. 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, 1956 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1956 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
