1984 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 is newer by 25 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 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1984 Alfa Romeo 33.
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, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 (122 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Alfa Romeo 33 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 33 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1351 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2610 mm |
