1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Chevrolet Blazer
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Blazer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Blazer would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Blazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Blazer. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Blazer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Blazer weights approximately 100 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Blazer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Blazer will offer significantly more control. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Blazer. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Blazer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1978 Chevrolet Blazer | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Blazer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1870 mm |
