1997 Buick LeSabre vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1997 Buick LeSabre is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1997 Buick LeSabre. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 410 kg more than 1997 Buick LeSabre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick LeSabre, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick LeSabre. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick LeSabre | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | LeSabre | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
