2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Volvo 264
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 264. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 264 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 264 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 264. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 264.
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, 1978 Volvo 264 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 264 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Volvo 264 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 264 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
