2009 Volvo V50 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo V50 weights approximately 459 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V50, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Volvo V50 (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo V50 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | V50 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1598 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 48 L |
