1997 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1997 Buick Riviera. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 295 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 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche Cayenne (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Riviera. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Riviera. 1997 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Cayenne has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Buick | Porsche |
| Model | Riviera | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1712 mm |
