1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 15 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 630 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (413 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (364 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 413 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 98 L |
