1988 Buick Electra vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 455 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1988 Buick Electra 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. 1988 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2270 mm |
