1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1972 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1972 Buick Riviera is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1095 kg more than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1952 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1972 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Buick |
| Model | 100 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3110 mm |
