1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 171 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
