1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1971 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1971 Opel Rekord 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 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP) has 246 more horse power than 1971 Opel Rekord. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 800 kg more than 1971 Opel Rekord. 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 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Opel Rekord. (120 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Opel Rekord. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1971 Opel Rekord has manual transmission. 1971 Opel Rekord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1971 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
