2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 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 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 56 kg more than 2004 Buick LaCrosse.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (311 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 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. 2004 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LaCrosse | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2270 mm |
