1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (60 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 595 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
Make | Buick | Nissan |
Model | Riviera | Laurel |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 60 HP |
Torque | 312 Nm | 123 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
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 | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2410 mm |