1979 Buick Century vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 290 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, 1979 Buick Century (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Buick Century | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Century | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3214 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 218 Nm | 168 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 | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |