1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 115 kg more than 1976 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Buick Riviera. (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
