1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2001 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 5 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 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 80 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 470 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Vibe. (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2001 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 45 L |
