1970 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Lada Samara
To start off, 1986 Lada Samara is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Buick Riviera (265 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1986 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1066 kg more than 1986 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Lada Samara, 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, 1970 Buick Riviera (522 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 424 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Samara. 1970 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1986 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 1986 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Riviera | Samara |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2470 mm |
