1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 240 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 53 more horse power than 1983 Volvo 240. (112 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1983 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 224 kg more than 1983 Volvo 240. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Volvo 240 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 1983 Volvo 240. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 240. (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 240. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1983 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1983 Volvo 240 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 | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 240 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |
