2006 Buick Lucerne vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Buick Lucerne. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Buick Lucerne would be higher. At 3,786 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Buick Lucerne (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 441 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2006 Buick Lucerne (308 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Buick Lucerne | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Lucerne | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
