1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Pontiac Fiero
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 59 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. (143 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 450 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero. 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) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. (220 Nm). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Fiero has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Fiero |
Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2826 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 220 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73.7 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1250 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4190 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2380 mm |