1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Chevrolet Blazer
To start off, 1981 Chevrolet Blazer is newer by 13 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 176 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Blazer weights approximately 45 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Because 1981 Chevrolet Blazer 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, 1981 Chevrolet Blazer 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 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Chevrolet Blazer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 1981 Chevrolet Blazer | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Blazer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 6207 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
