1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 20 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 25 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 18 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Because 2009 Kia Sportage 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, 2009 Kia Sportage 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sportage. (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sportage. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2009 Kia Sportage 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 | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2640 mm |
