1968 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 18 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 208 more horse power than 1986 Volvo 242. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Volvo 242. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 610 kg more than 1986 Volvo 242. 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 488 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Volvo 242. (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Volvo 242. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Volvo 242 has manual transmission. 1986 Volvo 242 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 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 242 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2660 mm |
