1977 AMC Matador vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 AMC Matador. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 AMC Matador would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 161 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1977 AMC Matador 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 1977 AMC Matador. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 AMC Matador. (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 AMC Matador.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | AMC | Buick |
| Model | Matador | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 92 L | 75 L |
