1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (135 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 580 kg more than 1972 Nissan Skyline. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Nissan Skyline 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 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (180 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1972 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2650 mm |
