1980 Buick Estate vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Estate (140 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 845 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1980 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Estate | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4931 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
