Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Can someone tell me if the 120 and the 180 series drive similar. Is the front suspension similar, just curious. Thank you.

All the 1941 models had the Packard Safe-T-flex front suspension of similar design though not exactly identical between the juniors and seniors, different springs, knuckle pin bearings, probably shock absorbers, front end alignment specifications, etc. So they handled much the same though the steering of the 160/180 series was a tad heavier because of the tire size, weight over the wheels, and the fact that they shared the same steering gear box ratio. They are all very nice handling cars, as good or better than most any American car of the era.

I own two 1941 Packards: a 120 business coupe and a 160 convertible sedan - only the 160 has overdrive. At 3,385 pounds the business coupe was the lightest 120 body style made that year. At 4,140 pounds the convertible sedan was among the heaviest bodies styles made. That said, the power/weight ratio is very close for the two. The 120 has 15" wheels with radial tires and the 160 has 16" wheels with bias-ply tires.

My general sense is that the 120 seems a modestly peppier both off the line and around a corner, but not as if I've actually measured this. I am not trying to win any lap money when I am driving my Packards.

I can tell you that the front sway bar is somewhat small (5/8") in diameter (as compared to today's cars) and they are NOT interchangeable between the 120 and 160. Part number for a 120 bar is different for a 160. So the front suspension must be different.