1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 863 kg more than 1987 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Buick Riviera. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Buick Riviera | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Express |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 2364 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3440 mm |
