1999 Buick Riviera vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1999 Buick Riviera. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 552 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 1989 Lotus Esprit. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 1999 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Buick | Lotus |
| Model | Riviera | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
