1998 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2012 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 14 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, 2012 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1998 Buick Riviera. (125 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1998 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Riviera weights approximately 592 kg more than 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 1998 Buick Riviera (287 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 1998 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Tacoma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Riviera | 2012 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Buick | Toyota |
| Model | Riviera | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1666 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 79 L |
