2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 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, 1974 Volvo 164 (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 164 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 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, 1974 Volvo 164 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 164 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 | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 164 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
