1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1984 Honda Civic
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic 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 102 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 900 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1984 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1984 Honda Civic 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 | 1984 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Riviera | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1630 mm |
