1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1956 Buick 40
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 88 more horse power than 1956 Buick 40. (217 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 196 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 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Buick 40. (433 Nm @ 2400 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:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1956 Buick 40 | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | 40 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5279 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 433 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3110 mm |
