1988 Buick Electra vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 428 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (225 Nm). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2270 mm |
