1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 115 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 426 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
