1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 15 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (391 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 54 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2004 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 2004 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2004 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 | 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 391 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| 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 | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2830 mm |
