1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 90 kg more than 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2960 mm |
