1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (158 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 461 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Buick Riviera 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 1965 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (203 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
