1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2003 Toyota Highlander is newer by 14 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 17 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 161 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2003 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Riviera | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2730 mm |
