1976 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 36 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 45 kg more than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 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 | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Buick | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Riviera | 159 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6595 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
