1980 Volvo 260 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,848 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 260. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 260 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1980 Volvo 260 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volvo 260 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | 260 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Size | 2848 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2340 mm |
