1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 GMC Suburban

To start off, 1972 GMC Suburban is newer by 4 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1972 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 GMC Suburban weights approximately 300 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.

Because 1972 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 GMC Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 GMC Suburban.

Compare all specifications:

1968 Buick Riviera 1972 GMC Suburban
Make Buick GMC
Model Riviera Suburban
Year Released 1968 1972
Body Type Coupe SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7050 cc 4093 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 305 HP 100 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 645 Nm 242 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 1600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1900 kg 2200 kg
Vehicle Length 5370 mm 5480 mm
Vehicle Width 2020 mm 1950 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1800 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 3300 mm