1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 98 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (67 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | Golf |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
