1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (405 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
Model | Riviera | Corvette |
Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5664 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 405 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 542 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 99 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
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 | 1414 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4570 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2660 mm |