2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1961 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 695 kg more than 1961 Volvo P 1800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volvo P 1800. (147 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1961 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
