1966 Bristol 409 vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 440 kg more than 1966 Bristol 409. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Bristol 409. (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Bristol 409.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Bristol 409 | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Bristol | Buick |
| Model | 409 | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5211 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 3110 mm |
