1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 145 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 290 kg more than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2960 mm |
