1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 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 16 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 289 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
