1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 519 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 48 L |
