1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Buick LeSabre
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 LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1977 Buick LeSabre. (163 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 70 kg more than 1977 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre. 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 LeSabre (329 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Buick LeSabre 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 LeSabre | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | LeSabre |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
