1997 Buick Riviera vs. 1998 Honda NSX
To start off, 1998 Honda NSX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 236 kg more than 1998 Honda NSX.
Because 1998 Honda NSX 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 1998 Honda NSX. 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda NSX. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Honda NSX 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 | 1998 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Riviera | NSX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
