1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Buick Riviera weights approximately 421 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Express 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 Chevrolet Express. 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 (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Express. (353 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2009 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Express |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 2080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 117 L |
