1999 Toyota MR2 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota MR2 (140 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2.
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, 1999 Toyota MR2 (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Toyota MR2 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Toyota | Volvo |
| Model | MR2 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2610 mm |
