1963 Buick Riviera vs. 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,571 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Buick Riviera (321 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (134 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Buick Riviera weights approximately 623 kg more than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Sonic, 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, 1963 Buick Riviera (603 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic. (169 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1963 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Sonic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Buick Riviera | 2013 Chevrolet Sonic | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Sonic |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6571 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1237 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5290 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1517 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 46 L |
