1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 12 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (404 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 46 kg more than 2009 Cadillac Escalade.
Because 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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 2009 Cadillac Escalade. 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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2009 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 404 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1920 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 117 L |
