1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1971 Buick Riviera is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 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 275 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Wartburg 312, 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 536 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Buick | Wartburg |
| Model | Riviera | 312 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2460 mm |
