1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 17 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 202 more horse power than 1985 Mazda 323. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 960 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Mazda 323, 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 508 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda 323 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 | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 323 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2410 mm |
