1988 Buick Electra vs. 1976 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,595 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Buick Riviera (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 190 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Buick Riviera 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 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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 Buick Riviera (435 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1976 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Electra | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
