1979 Buick Century vs. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,214 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Century weights approximately 475 kg more than 1992 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Century | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 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 | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
