1995 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster 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, 1995 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1995 Buick Riviera 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. 1995 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
