1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 417 kg more than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Reliant Scimitar 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 1972 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1972 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1972 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Buick Riviera | 1972 Reliant Scimitar | |
Make | Buick | Reliant |
Model | Riviera | Scimitar |
Year Released | 1989 | 1972 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 260 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 72.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1107 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2540 mm |