1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1969 Cadillac Calais
To start off, 1969 Cadillac Calais is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Cadillac Calais is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1969 Cadillac Calais. (228 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1969 Cadillac Calais. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Cadillac Calais weights approximately 175 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Because 1968 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 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais, 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, 1969 Cadillac Calais (710 Nm) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm). This means 1969 Cadillac Calais will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1969 Cadillac Calais | |
| Make | Buick | Cadillac |
| Model | Riviera | Calais |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 7734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 710 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
