1998 Buick Riviera vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 1998 Buick Riviera is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 758 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 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Express |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 7439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 555 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 2424 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3440 mm |
