1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 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 56 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 526 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Buick | Mazda |
Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
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 | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 50 L |