1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1987 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Buick Riviera (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 95 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Because 1977 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Buick Riviera | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1987 | 1977 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |