1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord 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 138 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 445 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Rekord 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 Opel Rekord. 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 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
Make | Buick | Opel |
Model | Riviera | Rekord |
Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2260 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 22.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1255 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4600 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |