1997 Acura NSX vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Acura NSX is newer by 1 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, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1996 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 330 kg more than 1997 Acura NSX.
Because 1997 Acura NSX 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 1997 Acura NSX. 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Acura NSX. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1997 Acura NSX 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:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Acura | Buick |
| Model | NSX | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2820 mm |
