1974 Mazda 818 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1974 Mazda 818 is newer by 15 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 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volvo 120 (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 818 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120.
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, 1959 Volvo 120 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda 818 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 818 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2610 mm |
