1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 465 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 69 L |
