1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2003 Cadillac XLR is newer by 27 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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Cadillac XLR.
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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Buick Riviera. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Buick Riviera. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac XLR has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac XLR 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 | 2003 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | XLR |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
