1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 90 kg more than 1995 Buick Riviera.
Because 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (373 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1978 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
