1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1965 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,352 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 325 kg more than 1965 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1965 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 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1965 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1965 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
