1997 Toyota MR2 vs. 1965 Volvo 120
To start off, 1997 Toyota MR2 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota MR2 (173 HP) has 106 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 120. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1965 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, 1997 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 120. (144 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota MR2 | 1965 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | MR2 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
