2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1974 Volvo 164. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Volvo 164 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
