Buick Park Avenue Ultra 3.8L
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Engime
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Engime
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3.8L V6 3800 SC
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Numbers of cylinders
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6
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Maximum horsepower (hp. t rpm)
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240/5200
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Maximum torque (lb.- ft at rpm)
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280/3600
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Chasis
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Standard transmission
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4 speed Automatic
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Optional transmission
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None
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Drive wheels
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Front wheel drive
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Steering
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Variable-assist
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Turning circle (m)
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6.1
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Suspension front/rear
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ind./ ind.
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Weight distribution front/rea %
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Data not available
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Curb weight (kg)
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1790
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Brakes front/rear
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discs/discs
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Tires front/rear
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P225/60R16
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase (mm)
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2890
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Length (mm)
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5253
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Width (mm)
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1897
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Height (mm)
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1476
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Front legroom (mm)
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1077
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Median legroom (mm)
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Does not apply
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Rear legroom (mm)
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1052
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Front headroom (mm)
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1011
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Median headroom (mm)
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Does not apply
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Rear headroom (mm)
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965
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Performances
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Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec)
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9.00
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Top speed km/h
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185
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Stopping distance of 100 km/h(m)
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47.00
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Power/weight ratio
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7.46
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Coefficient of drag (Cd)
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Data not available
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Recommended fuel type
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Super
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Average fuel consumption (L/100 km)
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10.30
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Volumes and Capacity
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Towing capacity (kg)
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500
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Interior volume (L)
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3146
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Trunk volume (L)
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541
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Fuel tank capacity (L)
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70.0
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REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS
Surprise Yourself
The Park Avenue would be on my list of the ten best cars of the 1990s. Surprised? So was I. Before the test drive, I was convinced that this immense sedan would drive like a cruise ship with the rudder of a fishing boat. But I changed my mind as soon as I slipped behind the wheel. Take the Park Avenue Ultra out for a spin, and you ’ ll see what I mean. No other car of the same price range offers the same degree of comfort, spacious interior, or smooth handling.The Park Avenue can seat five to six passengers, depending on the model. The instrument panels are equipped with straightforward accessories, analog readouts, and the same wooden dashboard trim we ’ ve seen in countless American luxury cars. It may not be revolutionary, but there ’ s something to be said for the comfort of traditional lines. Rear passengers may be forgiven for thinking they ’ re in a limousine, and there ’ s more than enough room for their baggage in the cavernous trunk. If there is fault to find with the interior, it ’ s that the finish is not as opulent as that of the Park Avenue ’ s many rivals, there ’ s an almost complete lack of interior storage compartments, and the seats are ridiculously soft.The basic Park Avenue, equipped with a 3,8-litre V6, offers quite a comfortable ride, thanks to the contrast between its permissive suspension and honest performance. But the Ultra is another story altogether. Its 3,8 litre engine with a supercharger generates 240 horsepower, enough to carry its passengers in style.
The Ultra is better in every way, and it seems to know it. Heavier on the accessories, but lighter on the elbow room (it carries five passengers instead of six), it weathers broken pavement admirably. Turns are smoother, and passing is safer thanks to its quick acceleration. What ’ s more, the Ultra now has the Stabilitrak automatic chassis control system developed by Cadillac. This is a safety device that ’ s remarkably effective in preventing skids. It ’ s also reassuring to know that with the Ultra ’ s wide tires, you can stop on a dime. Finally, thanks to the triple door seals and carefully designed underfloor, it ’ s quiet enough to meditate on board.
PROS
Spacious interior
Comfortable ride
Progress in safety features
CONS
Imperfect finish
Wide turning circle
Little storage space
CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *