2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1976 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Buick Riviera. (154 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1976 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Buick Riviera weights approximately 255 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1976 Buick Riviera 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 1976 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Buick Riviera. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Buick Riviera. 1976 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1976 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Buick |
| Model | 156 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 5724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2950 mm |
