1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1990 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1990 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Riviera 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 26 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 86 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 1990 Ford Thunderbird 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 1990 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1990 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2880 mm |
