1954 Buick 40 vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1972 Plymouth Valiant is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (193 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. 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, 1954 Buick 40 (410 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Buick | Plymouth |
| Model | 40 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1310 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
