2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Buick Regal
To start off, 2012 Buick Regal is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Regal (270 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Regal weights approximately 354 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Buick Regal (400 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Mazda | Buick |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Regal |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1683 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4831 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2738 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 68 L |
