1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 24 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, 2013 Kia Optima (197 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 70 kg more than 2013 Kia Optima.
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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Kia Optima. (252 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Kia Optima. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2013 Kia Optima has manual transmission. 2013 Kia Optima 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 | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Optima |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2795 mm |
