1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1971 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (285 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 300 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (421 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 76 L |
