1987 Suzuki Alto vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1987 Suzuki Alto is newer by 28 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 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Volvo 120 (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1987 Suzuki Alto. (57 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1987 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1987 Suzuki Alto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1987 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1959 Volvo 120 (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Suzuki Alto. (74 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Suzuki Alto | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volvo |
| Model | Alto | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 547 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 600 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
