2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Volvo 265
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 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 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 265 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 265. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 265. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 265 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volvo 265. (145 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volvo 265.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Volvo 265 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | 265 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2315 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1500 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
