1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 385 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Buick Riviera | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2329 mm |