1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1996 Nissan Maxima is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 555 kg more than 1996 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 467 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Maxima. (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Maxima. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1996 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
