2004 Cadillac XLR vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2004 Cadillac XLR is newer by 45 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 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac XLR (320 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 645 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.
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, 2004 Cadillac XLR (408 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Cadillac XLR | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volvo |
| Model | XLR | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4572 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1640 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2610 mm |
