1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2011 Buick Lucerne is newer by 15 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 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 6 kg more than 2011 Buick Lucerne.
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, 2011 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2011 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1694 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5161 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
