1978 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,730 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Buick Electra. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Electra weights approximately 375 kg more than 2006 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 Electra (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Electra | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5730 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2340 mm |
