2001 Smart ForTwo vs. 1956 Volvo 120
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,582 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1956 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volvo 120 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Smart ForTwo | 1956 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Smart | Volvo |
| Model | ForTwo | 120 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2510 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1820 mm | 2610 mm |
