1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Holden Commodore. (168 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 390 kg more than 1988 Holden Commodore. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Holden Commodore 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 1988 Holden Commodore. 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Commodore. (292 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Commodore. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1988 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1988 Holden Commodore 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 | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Riviera | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2740 mm |
