2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1990 Volvo 440
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 440. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 440 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 440. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 440. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 393 kg more than 1990 Volvo 440. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 440, 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 RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 440. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 440.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1990 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | 440 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
