1987 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 16 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 314 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 | 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2810 mm |
