1981 Volvo 260 vs. 1957 Volvo 120
To start off, 1981 Volvo 260 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 260 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1957 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1957 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 260 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1957 Volvo 120. 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, 1981 Volvo 260 (231 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 260 | 1957 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volvo | Volvo |
| Model | 260 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2610 mm |
