1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 10 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 1981 Nissan Cherry. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1190 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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 494 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (123 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2400 mm |
