1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 22 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
Make | Ford | Volvo |
Model | Fiesta | 120 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1581 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 995 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2610 mm |