1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1970 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (370 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 15 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 1970 Pontiac GTO. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1970 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | GTO |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6548 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 603 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
