2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Volvo 780
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 780 (200 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 780 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 780 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (170 Nm) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 780. (143 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 780.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 780 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2780 mm |
