1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 12 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 54 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata.
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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 | 2008 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Buick | Hyundai |
| Model | Riviera | Sonata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1646 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
