1963 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. (256 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Buick Riviera | 1996 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Impala |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 87 L |
