1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1994 Caterham Seven
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Caterham Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Caterham Seven 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 37 more horse power than 1994 Caterham Seven. (165 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1994 Caterham Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Caterham Seven 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 1994 Caterham Seven. 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1994 Caterham Seven has manual transmission. 1994 Caterham Seven 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 | 1994 Caterham Seven | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Riviera | Seven |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 165 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2240 mm |
