1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 219 kg more than 1998 Buick Riviera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Pontiac Catalina 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 1965 Pontiac Catalina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 103.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3080 mm |
