1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird 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 172 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Firebird. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
