2006 Mazda 6 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 6 (134 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1988 Volvo 480. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 6 | 480 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 58 L |
