1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 106 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 614 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort 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 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Escort |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
