2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 44 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), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2610 mm |
