1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 40 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 784 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
