1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION is newer by 29 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 16 more horse power than 2005 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 515 kg more than 2005 Saturn ION. 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, 2005 Saturn ION, 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Saturn ION. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2005 Saturn ION 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 | 2005 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Riviera | ION |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
