1989 Buick Estate vs. 1997 Buick Riviera

To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,597 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Estate weights approximately 204 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1989 Buick Estate 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 1989 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.

Compare all specifications:

1989 Buick Estate 1997 Buick Riviera
Make Buick Buick
Model Estate Riviera
Year Released 1989 1997
Body Type Station Wagon Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 6597 cc 3790 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Horse Power 182 HP 180 HP
Engine RPM 3600 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 435 Nm 364 Nm
Torque RPM 2200 RPM 2400 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1885 kg 1681 kg
Vehicle Length 5510 mm 5230 mm
Vehicle Width 1990 mm 2040 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2900 mm