1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 656 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 50 L |