1988 Buick Electra vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 15 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 6 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 515 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 1988 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2370 mm |
