1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 376 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1989 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2760 mm |
