2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (142 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 676 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
