1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 39 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1976 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1976 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
