1989 Plymouth Laser vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Laser is newer by 30 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Plymouth Laser (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Laser should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Laser weights approximately 235 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, 1989 Plymouth Laser, 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, 1989 Plymouth Laser (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Plymouth Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Plymouth Laser | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volvo |
| Model | Laser | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
