1987 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Dodge Copperhead
To start off, 1998 Dodge Copperhead is newer by 11 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Copperhead (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1987 Buick Riviera. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Copperhead should accelerate faster than 1987 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Buick Riviera weights approximately 444 kg more than 1998 Dodge Copperhead.
Because 1998 Dodge Copperhead 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 1998 Dodge Copperhead. 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, 1987 Buick Riviera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Dodge Copperhead. (255 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1987 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Dodge Copperhead. 1987 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Copperhead has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Copperhead 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 | 1998 Dodge Copperhead | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Copperhead |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1501 kg | 1057 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2800 mm |
