2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1981 Volvo 240 (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| 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 | 140 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
