1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph TR7 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 61 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 479 kg more than 1981 Triumph TR7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Triumph TR7 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 1981 Triumph TR7. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Triumph TR7 has manual transmission. 1981 Triumph TR7 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 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
Make | Buick | Triumph |
Model | Riviera | TR7 |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1045 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2170 mm |