1997 Buick Century vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Century weights approximately 381 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1997 Buick Century (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Buick Century has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Century | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Century | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |