1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 192 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Riviera | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1920 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2800 mm |
