1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk 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 211 more horse power than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 690 kg more than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. 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 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk. (206 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1961 Studebaker Silver Hawk | |
| Make | Buick | Studebaker |
| Model | Riviera | Silver Hawk |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3050 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3070 mm |
