1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2006 Chevrolet SSR
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 9 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 603 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 2006 Chevrolet SSR. 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 | 2006 Chevrolet SSR | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | SSR |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 401 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 95 L |
