2003 Buick Regal vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Buick Regal is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Buick Regal weights approximately 590 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal, 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, 2003 Buick Regal (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Buick Regal has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Regal | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Regal | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
