1979 Volvo 66 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 66.
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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 66.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Volvo 66 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | 66 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3910 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1720 mm |
