1973 Volkswagen 1302 vs. 1961 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Volvo P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Volvo P 1800 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Volvo P 1800 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Volvo P 1800 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1961 Volvo P 1800 (147 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1961 Volvo P 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Volkswagen 1302 | 1961 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | 1302 | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1191 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2460 mm |
