1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 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 470 kg more than 1999 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 (251 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 1981 Buick LeSabre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Buick LeSabre has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 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 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LeSabre | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
