1996 Buick Riviera vs. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 436 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 188 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2011 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 506 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Buick Riviera. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2011 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette 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 | 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
