1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Opel Astra
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra is newer by 10 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 34 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 185 kg more than 2006 Opel Astra. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2006 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2006 Opel Astra 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 | 2006 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 52 L |
