1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 68 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 384 kg more than 1978 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 1978 Nissan Laurel. 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 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Laurel. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Laurel. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1978 Nissan Laurel has manual transmission. 1978 Nissan Laurel 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 | 1978 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Buick | Nissan |
Model | Riviera | Laurel |
Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1770 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 97 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |