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 (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 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 65 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 (566 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 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 | 3791 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 566 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1920 mm |
