1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500
To start off, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 is newer by 44 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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1968 Buick Riviera. (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 should accelerate faster than 1968 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Buick Riviera weights approximately 167 kg more than 2012 Ford Shelby GT500.
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, 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Buick Riviera. (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Buick Riviera. 1968 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 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 | 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Shelby GT500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1733 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 61 L |
