1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century 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 98 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 270 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 1978 Buick Century. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Century |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
