1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1993 Volvo 480
To start off, 1993 Volvo 480 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1993 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1993 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 480 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 480, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1993 Volvo 480 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1993 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 480 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
