1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac STS 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac STS (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac STS weights approximately 102 kg more than 1996 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Cadillac STS 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 2011 Cadillac STS. 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, 2011 Cadillac STS (368 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 2011 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | STS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1802 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4996 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2957 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
