1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 499 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Buick Riviera | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |