1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Mazda MPV
To start off, 1997 Buick Riviera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MPV 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 88 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MPV. (114 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MPV weights approximately 90 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 1996 Mazda MPV 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 1996 Mazda MPV. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MPV. (277 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MPV. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MPV has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MPV 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 | 1996 Mazda MPV | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | MPV |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
