1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 213 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 194 kg more than 1997 Dodge Viper.
Because 1997 Dodge Viper 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 1997 Dodge Viper. 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Viper 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 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Viper |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 415 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| 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 | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
