1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1991 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Pontiac Firebird 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 40 more horse power than 1991 Pontiac Firebird. (140 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1991 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 271 kg more than 1991 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 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 1991 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Pontiac Firebird. (244 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Pontiac Firebird. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1991 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1991 Pontiac Firebird 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 | 1991 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1997 | 1991 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3790 cc | 3128 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 180 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 364 Nm | 244 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 59 L |