1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (164 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 840 kg more than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass has manual transmission. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 76 L |
