1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Buick Regal
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Buick Regal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Buick Regal would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Buick Regal (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 126 kg more than 1977 Buick Regal.
Because 1977 Buick Regal 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 1977 Buick Regal. 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, 1977 Buick Regal (352 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1977 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1977 Buick Regal | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Regal |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2750 mm |
