1988 Buick Skylark vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Buick Skylark. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Skylark.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Skylark, 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 Skylark (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1988 Buick Skylark has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Buick Skylark will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Skylark | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Skylark | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2270 mm |
