2006 Alpina B5 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2006 Alpina B5 is newer by 47 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B5 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 416 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120.
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, 2006 Alpina B5 (701 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 583 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B5 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B5 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2610 mm |
