1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1981 Nissan Patrol 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 217 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 35 kg more than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Patrol. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1981 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Buick | Nissan |
| Model | Riviera | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2980 mm |
