1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Nissan Hardbody
To start off, 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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, 1997 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 342 kg more than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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 Nissan Hardbody. 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. (208 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Hardbody. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan Hardbody has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan Hardbody 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 | 2005 Nissan Hardbody | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Hardbody |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1358 kg |
