1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 38 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 380 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Passat | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
