1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 303 kg more than 2004 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (364 Nm) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Altima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 76 L |
