2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Volvo V90
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volvo V90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volvo V90 would be higher. At 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volvo V90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volvo V90 (178 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volvo V90 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volvo V90 weights approximately 655 kg more than 2009 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, 1997 Volvo V90 (260 Nm @ 4350 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Volvo V90 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 | 1997 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | V90 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
