1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Leopard 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 104 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 595 kg more than 1986 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Nissan Leopard 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 1986 Nissan Leopard. 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 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Leopard. (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Leopard. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Nissan Leopard has manual transmission. 1986 Nissan Leopard will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1986 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
