1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero
To start off, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 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 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 395 kg more than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 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 Oldsmobile Alero, 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 (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Oldsmobile Alero. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Oldsmobile Alero has manual transmission. 2002 Oldsmobile Alero 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 Oldsmobile Alero | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Alero |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
