2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 50 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 252 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.
Because 1959 Volvo 120 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Volvo 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Golf | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1247 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2610 mm |
