1974 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Skylark weights approximately 510 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, 1974 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Skylark | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Skylark | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 188 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 |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
