1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett 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 151 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 910 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Kadett 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 1973 Opel Kadett. 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Kadett 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 | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 43 L |
