1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Nissan Laurel 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 73 more horse power than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (129 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 410 kg more than 1977 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Nissan Laurel. (221 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1977 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2680 mm |
