2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1985 Volvo 740
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 740 weights approximately 270 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, 1985 Volvo 740 (240 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1985 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | Roadster | 740 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2780 mm |
