1985 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Golf | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
