2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2011 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (280 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 164 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Buick LaCrosse (351 Nm) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2011 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Mazda | Buick |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2837 mm |
