1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 4,130 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 9 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 2003 Cadillac CTS 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (346 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Buick Riviera. (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | CTS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 3563 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 64 L |
