1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Volvo S80
To start off, 2005 Volvo S80 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo S80 weights approximately 714 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo S80, 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, 2005 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 1679 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
