1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2001 Lexus GS
To start off, 2001 Lexus GS is newer by 4 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, 2001 Lexus GS (225 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 40 kg more than 2001 Lexus GS.
Because 2001 Lexus GS 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 2001 Lexus GS. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus GS. (298 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2001 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Buick | Lexus |
| Model | Riviera | GS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
