1978 Buick Regal vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Regal would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Buick Regal. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Regal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Regal weights approximately 236 kg more than 2008 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 Regal (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Regal | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Regal | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2340 mm |
