1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 415 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 91 L |
