1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1972 Datsun 240Z
To start off, 1972 Datsun 240Z is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera 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 160 more horse power than 1972 Datsun 240Z. (151 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1972 Datsun 240Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 972 kg more than 1972 Datsun 240Z. 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 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Datsun 240Z. (198 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Datsun 240Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1972 Datsun 240Z | |
| Make | Buick | Datsun |
| Model | Riviera | 240Z |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2300 mm |
