1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Cadillac STS
To start off, 2005 Cadillac STS is newer by 8 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, 2005 Cadillac STS (255 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac STS should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac STS weights approximately 96 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 2005 Cadillac STS 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 2005 Cadillac STS. 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, 2005 Cadillac STS (339 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2005 Cadillac STS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | STS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3556 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1796 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
