1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 Lotus Elan is newer by 5 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 2 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 504 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1994 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1994 Lotus Elan 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 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Buick | Lotus |
Model | Riviera | Elan |
Year Released | 1989 | 1994 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2260 mm |