2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Volvo 66
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 66 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 86 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 66.
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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 66. 1980 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 66 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1550 mm |
