1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 1997 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 780 kg more than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Hyundai Sonata. (132 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1997 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Buick | Hyundai |
| Model | Riviera | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
