1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 466 kg more than 2011 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 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Skylark | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
