1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1976 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 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 37 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1959 Volvo 120 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Fiesta | 120 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2610 mm |
