1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. (166 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 65 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. 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, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 | 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Monte Carlo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 387 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2960 mm |
