1955 Bristol 405 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1955 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1955 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 660 kg more than 1955 Bristol 405. 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Bristol 405. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1955 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1955 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Bristol 405 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 405 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 75 L |
