1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 250 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1974 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2750 mm |
