1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 124 kg more than 1966 Pontiac GTO.
Because 1966 Pontiac GTO 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 1966 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1966 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | GTO |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2930 mm |
