1991 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Riviera (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1991 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1991 Buick Riviera 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. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 Length | 5040 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
