1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Buick Estate
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Estate (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Estate weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Buick Estate 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 1988 Buick Estate. 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, 1988 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1988 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Estate |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
