1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2001 Opel Astra
To start off, 2001 Opel Astra is newer by 12 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Astra (437 HP @ 7350 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 374 kg more than 2001 Opel Astra.
Because 2001 Opel Astra 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 2001 Opel Astra. 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, 2001 Opel Astra (531 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2001 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2001 Opel Astra 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 | 2001 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Astra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 437 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7350 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| 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 | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
