1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2002 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 705 kg more than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1976 Buick Riviera (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Fiat Barchetta. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2002 Fiat Barchetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2002 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Buick | Fiat |
| Model | Riviera | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1747 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2280 mm |
