1999 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Buick LeSabre
To start off, 1999 Buick Riviera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Buick LeSabre. (104 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 110 kg more than 1985 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Buick LeSabre 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 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Buick LeSabre. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 1985 Buick LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
