1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix. (185 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix (434 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3010 mm |
