1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1999 Kia Sportage
To start off, 1999 Kia Sportage is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Sportage (126 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 209 kg more than 1999 Kia Sportage.
Because 1999 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Sportage. (175 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Sportage. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1999 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2660 mm |
