2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Volvo P 1800
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (142 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1972 Volvo P 1800. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 551 kg more than 1972 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo P 1800. (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo P 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Volvo P 1800 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P 1800 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 88.9 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
