1972 AMC Matador vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1972 AMC Matador is newer by 16 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Matador (220 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Matador should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Matador weights approximately 605 kg more than 1956 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, 1972 AMC Matador (427 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Matador | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | AMC | Volvo |
| Model | Matador | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2610 mm |
