1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1974 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1974 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 3 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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (335 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 590 kg more than 1974 Pontiac Firebird.
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.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Buick Riviera | 1974 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Riviera | Firebird |
Year Released | 1971 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7468 cc | 7467 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 335 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |