1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Cadillac Catera
To start off, 1999 Cadillac Catera is newer by 10 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, 1999 Cadillac Catera (301 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 42 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 1999 Cadillac Catera 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 1999 Cadillac Catera. 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, 1999 Cadillac Catera (370 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm). This means 1999 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 1999 Cadillac Catera | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | Catera |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1566 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
