2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Volvo 1800
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 1800. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1972 Volvo 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Volvo 1800 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1800 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
