1973 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 945 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 50 L |
