2004 Mazda 3 vs. 1983 Volvo 740
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 2,316 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 740 (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 740 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Volvo 740 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 1983 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, 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, 1983 Volvo 740 (260 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 1983 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
