1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 6 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 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. (265 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 215 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado. (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1974 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 108 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 91 L |
