1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2010 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Buick LaCrosse (255 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 861 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2010 Buick LaCrosse (294 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mazda | Buick |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1826 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2837 mm |
