1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 250 GT would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. (247 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 995 kg more than 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. (245 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1959 Ferrari 250 GT has manual transmission. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1959 Ferrari 250 GT | |
| Make | Buick | Ferrari |
| Model | Riviera | 250 GT |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2610 mm |
