1998 Lancia Kappa vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa is newer by 39 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 2,451 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 445 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lancia Kappa | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Kappa | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2610 mm |
