1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Volvo S40
To start off, 2010 Volvo S40 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S40 weights approximately 549 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo S40, 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, 2010 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Volvo S40 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. 2010 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2639 mm |
