1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Porsche 944
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1985 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 355 kg more than 1985 Porsche 944. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Porsche 944 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 1985 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1985 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Riviera | 944 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
