2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 260. (146 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | Roadster | 260 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2660 mm |
