1996 Volvo V90 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo V90 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 6. (127 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V90 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo V90 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2011 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Volvo V90 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 V90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V90. (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volvo V90 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | V90 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
