1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Buick Riviera
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 3 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 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 140 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera. 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick Riviera. (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1971 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Riviera |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 617 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3110 mm |
