1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 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 13 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 310 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 Mazda RX-8. 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
