1970 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 38 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 54 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. (211 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Buick Riviera weights approximately 911 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Impala, 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Impala. (290 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Buick Riviera | 2008 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Impala |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1986 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
