1997 Ford Ka vs. 1958 Volvo 120
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Volvo 120 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Ford Ka.
Because 1958 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 1958 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ka, 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, 1958 Volvo 120 (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ka | 1958 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Ka | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2610 mm |
