1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, both 1997 Buick Riviera and 1997 Pontiac Firebird were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 101 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1997 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 1997 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 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1997 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 54 L |
