1989 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1989 Buick Riviera. (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 148 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI.
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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 1989 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riviera | GTI |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1779 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
