1996 Volvo 960 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Volvo 960. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo 960 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 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6, 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 1996 Volvo 960 has manual transmission. 1996 Volvo 960 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo 960 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | 960 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2789 mm |
