1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 546 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Buick Riviera | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
Make | Buick | Toyota |
Model | Riviera | Carina |
Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1587 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 83 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4240 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |