2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Buick LaCrosse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Buick LaCrosse would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 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 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LaCrosse | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
