1986 Citroen BX vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 1986 Citroen BX is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen BX (61 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volvo 120 weights approximately 105 kg more than 1986 Citroen BX.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Citroen BX, 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, 1956 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Citroen BX. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen BX | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Citroen | Volvo |
| Model | BX | 120 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2610 mm |
