1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2012 GMC Yukon 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Yukon (332 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Yukon weights approximately 839 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 GMC Yukon 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 GMC Yukon. 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 GMC Yukon (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Riviera | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2539 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1953 mm |
