2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Volvo 164
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volvo 164 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2009 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, 1973 Volvo 164 (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 164 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 58 L |
