1991 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1991 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 32 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 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (140 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 415 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Pontiac Firebird (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Pontiac Firebird | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Firebird | 120 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3128 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2610 mm |
