2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Volvo 145
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 145. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 145 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 145. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 145 weights approximately 120 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volvo 145. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volvo 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Volvo 145 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 145 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2620 mm |
