1987 Mazda 929 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1987 Mazda 929 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volvo 242. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volvo 242 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 929 (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 1987 Mazda 929 (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Mazda 929 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 929 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2183 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2660 mm |
