1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1980 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1980 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 12 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 201 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 840 kg more than 1980 Mazda RX-7. 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 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1980 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1980 Mazda RX-7 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 | 1980 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
