1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (247 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 221 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Because 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 Holden Sunbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1976 Holden Sunbird has manual transmission. 1976 Holden Sunbird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Riviera | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2590 mm |
