1996 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1972 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1996 Buick Park Avenue is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 280 kg more than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Park Avenue. (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Park Avenue.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Park Avenue | 1972 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Park Avenue | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1760 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
