1988 Buick Electra vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 29 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 580 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 1988 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Buick Electra | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
Make | Buick | Volvo |
Model | Electra | 120 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1959 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1581 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 115 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.6 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 | 1575 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 |