1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1989 Chrysler Viper
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1996 Buick Roadmaster. (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Roadmaster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 260 kg more than 1989 Chrysler Viper.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Roadmaster. (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Roadmaster. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1989 Chrysler Viper has manual transmission. 1989 Chrysler Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1989 Chrysler Viper | |
| Make | Buick | Chrysler |
| Model | Roadmaster | Viper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 621 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
