2005 Mazda 6 vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 2005 Mazda 6 is newer by 15 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 85 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2005 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Volvo 960 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 1990 Volvo 960. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 6, 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, 2005 Mazda 6 (323 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 960. (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 960.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 6 | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 6 | 960 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
