1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 161 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lexus GS 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 1998 Lexus GS. 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, 1998 Lexus GS (301 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Riviera | GS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2680 mm |
