1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Buick Riviera (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 12 kg more than 1997 Buick Riviera.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Frontier. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Riviera | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
