1973 Honda Life vs. 1961 Volvo 120
To start off, 1973 Honda Life is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Volvo 120 (59 HP) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Honda Life. (30 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volvo 120 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1973 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Life, 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, 1961 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Life. (29 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1961 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Life | 1961 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Honda | Volvo |
| Model | Life | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 29 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
