1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1968 Volvo 145
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volvo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1968 Volvo 145. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volvo 145 weights approximately 327 kg more than 1993 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, 1968 Volvo 145 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Volvo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1968 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 145 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2620 mm |
