1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 349 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1991 Lotus Esprit 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 1991 Lotus Esprit. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 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 | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2460 mm |
