1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Saturn L
To start off, 2003 Saturn L is newer by 7 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 67 more horse power than 2003 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 380 kg more than 2003 Saturn L. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Saturn L. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Saturn L. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Saturn L has manual transmission. 2003 Saturn L 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 | 2003 Saturn L | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Riviera | L |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
