1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 40 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 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 220 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volvo |
| Model | 146 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2610 mm |
