2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Volvo 240
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1982 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volvo 240 weights approximately 135 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, both vehicles can yield 167 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 240 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 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 |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2660 mm |
