1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 35 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 105 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1410 kg more than 2003 Caterham 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 435 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 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 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Riviera | 7 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 106.2 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.4 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2230 mm |
