2003 Lotus Exige vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Volvo 120 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
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 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Exige | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Exige | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2610 mm |
