2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Volvo 140
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Volvo 140. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Volvo 140 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volvo 140 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1971 Volvo 140. (81 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Volvo 140. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volvo 140 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2003 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, 1971 Volvo 140 (157 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Volvo 140 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Volvo 140 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 140 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
