1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 321 kg more than 1981 Porsche 944.
Because 1981 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 1981 Porsche 944. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Riviera | 944 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
