1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1984 Buick Electra
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,127 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1984 Buick Electra. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Buick Electra weights approximately 166 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 1984 Buick Electra 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 1984 Buick Electra. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Buick Electra. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1984 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Electra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 4127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 100.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1970 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3030 mm |
