1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Dodge Caravan
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Caravan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Caravan 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 38 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (164 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Caravan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 225 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (307 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 1996 Dodge Caravan | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Caravan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 307 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
