1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Lupo 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (47 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 554 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. (86 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Lupo. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Lupo has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Lupo 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Lupo | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Lupo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 70.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2330 mm |
