1979 Mazda RX-2 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1979 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 20 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 2,292 cc, 1979 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1979 Mazda RX-2.
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, 1979 Mazda RX-2 (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda RX-2 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-2 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
