1981 Austin Marina vs. 1989 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Austin Marina would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1981 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 644 kg more than 1981 Austin Marina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Austin Marina 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 1981 Austin Marina. 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Austin Marina. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Austin Marina has manual transmission. 1981 Austin Marina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Austin Marina | 1989 Buick Riviera | |
Make | Austin | Buick |
Model | Marina | Riviera |
Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1275 cc | 3800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 165 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 102 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |