1990 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1990 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Buick Electra weights approximately 399 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, 1990 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, 1990 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Buick Electra | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2329 mm |
