1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Hyundai Tiburon
To start off, 2002 Hyundai Tiburon 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Hyundai Tiburon (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Hyundai Tiburon should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Hyundai Tiburon weights approximately 466 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.
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) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Tiburon. (255 Nm). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Tiburon. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Hyundai Tiburon has manual transmission. 2002 Hyundai Tiburon 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 Hyundai Tiburon | |
| Make | Buick | Hyundai |
| Model | Riviera | Tiburon |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2640 mm |
