1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 845 kg more than 1991 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, 1981 Buick LeSabre (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick LeSabre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick LeSabre | 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LeSabre | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
