1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 41 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 73 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 775 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 429 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
