1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Chevrolet SSR
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 6 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 454 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet SSR 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 2002 Chevrolet SSR. 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, 2002 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Buick Riviera | 2002 Chevrolet SSR | |
Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
Model | Riviera | SSR |
Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5316 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 296 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 449 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2154 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2000 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |