2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Volvo 960
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 960. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 960 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 409 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, 1990 Volvo 960 (267 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1990 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 960 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
