1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2004 Cadillac CTS is newer by 7 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Cadillac CTS (396 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Cadillac CTS 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 2004 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2004 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2004 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | CTS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 536 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
