1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
To start off, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 35 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, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan weights approximately 281 kg more than 1976 Buick Riviera. 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, 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, 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 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Buick Riviera | 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Caravan |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3078 mm |
