2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V50 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V50 weights approximately 28 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V50, 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, 2003 Volvo V50 (330 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V50 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 | 2003 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
