1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Saturn Sky
To start off, 2008 Saturn Sky 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 29 more horse power than 2008 Saturn Sky. (173 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Saturn Sky. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 410 kg more than 2008 Saturn Sky. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Saturn Sky 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 2008 Saturn Sky. 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Saturn Sky. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Saturn Sky. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Saturn Sky has manual transmission. 2008 Saturn Sky 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 Saturn Sky | |
| Make | Buick | Saturn |
| Model | Riviera | Sky |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
