1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (108 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1976 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 525 kg more than 1976 Holden Sunbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 Holden Sunbird. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Holden Sunbird. (259 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Riviera | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
