1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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 65 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 314 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
Model | Riviera | Golf |
Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.9 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |