1990 Peugeot 309 vs. 1962 Volvo 120
To start off, 1990 Peugeot 309 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,778 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Volvo 120 (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1990 Peugeot 309. (53 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1990 Peugeot 309. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Volvo 120 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1990 Peugeot 309. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 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 1962 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Peugeot 309, 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, 1962 Volvo 120 (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Peugeot 309. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Peugeot 309.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Peugeot 309 | 1962 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volvo |
| Model | 309 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
