1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2008 Opel Zafira 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 53 more horse power than 2008 Opel Zafira. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 72 kg more than 2008 Opel Zafira. 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, 2008 Opel Zafira (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Zafira has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Zafira 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 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1628 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1650 mm |
