1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Fiat Strada
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 701 kg more than 1981 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Strada. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Strada. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat Strada has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat Strada 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 | 1981 Fiat Strada | |
| Make | Buick | Fiat |
| Model | Riviera | Strada |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 50 L |
