2000 Buick Riviera vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2000 Buick Riviera is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Buick Riviera (202 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Buick Riviera weights approximately 198 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 2000 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Buick Riviera | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
