1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Nissan Armada
To start off, 2012 Nissan Armada is newer by 23 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Armada weights approximately 945 kg more than 1989 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Armada 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 2012 Nissan Armada. 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, 2012 Nissan Armada (521 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Buick Riviera. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Riviera | 2012 Nissan Armada | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Armada |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 521 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 2469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5276 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3129 mm |
