1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 94 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 434 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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 (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
