1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1995 Buick Riviera. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1995 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Buick Riviera weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 Dodge Viper.
Because 1996 Dodge Viper 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 1996 Dodge Viper. 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Buick Riviera. (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Buick Riviera. 1995 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1996 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Viper |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 98.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
