1960 Mazda R 360 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 910 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mazda R 360 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | R 360 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 380 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2660 mm |
