1978 Buick Century vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 305 kg more than 2012 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Buick Century | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Century | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3213 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 217 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2329 mm |