1971 Volvo 140 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1971 Volvo 140 is newer by 12 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volvo 140 (81 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volvo 140 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 140 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1959 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, 1971 Volvo 140 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 140 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Volvo 140 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 140 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2610 mm |
