2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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, 1980 Volvo 265 (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 265 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 228 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 265 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 265 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
