1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1978 Honda Prelude is newer by 7 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 222 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. 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, 1978 Honda Prelude, 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 476 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1978 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Riviera | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1750 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2330 mm |
