1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Buick Electra
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1980 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Because 1980 Buick Electra 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 1980 Buick Electra. 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1980 Buick Electra | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Electra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3030 mm |
