1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ferrari Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ferrari Testarossa would be higher. At 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 6 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ferrari Testarossa 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 1987 Ferrari Testarossa. 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, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1987 Ferrari Testarossa has manual transmission. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa 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 | 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | |
| Make | Buick | Ferrari |
| Model | Riviera | Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 4943 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2560 mm |
