1956 Buick 40 vs. 1968 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1968 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 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 53 more horse power than 1956 Buick 40. (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1956 Buick 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 310 kg more than 1956 Buick 40. 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Buick 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Buick 40 | 1968 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | 40 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5279 cc | 7050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 462 Nm | 645 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 106.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 99.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3030 mm |
