1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Cadillac Seville
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 209 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1978 Cadillac Seville 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 Cadillac Seville. 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, 1978 Cadillac Seville (365 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1978 Cadillac Seville | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | Seville |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2910 mm |
