1980 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 280 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 48 L |
