2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Volvo 240
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1984 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 240 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volvo 240. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
