1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 84 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Buick Riviera | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |