1987 Buick Riviera vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 170 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2270 mm |
