2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 265. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 265 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (153 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1980 Volvo 265. 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, 1980 Volvo 265 (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 265 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 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
