1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Volvo 343
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 343 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 343. 1980 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Mazda | Volvo |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 343 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |