1987 Buick Electra vs. 1960 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 Buick Electra is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Electra (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1960 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1960 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Electra weights approximately 485 kg more than 1960 Volvo 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Electra, 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, 1987 Buick Electra (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Volvo 120. (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Electra | 1960 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Electra | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2610 mm |
