1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Buick Estate
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1977 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Buick Estate weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1977 Buick Estate 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 1977 Buick Estate. 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, 1977 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1977 Buick Estate | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Estate |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 97.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
