1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2004 Nissan 350Z is newer by 8 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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 237 kg more than 2004 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2004 Nissan 350Z 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 2004 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (373 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2004 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
