1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1986 Lancia Thema is newer by 15 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) has 211 more horse power than 1986 Lancia Thema. (100 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Lancia Thema.
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, 1986 Lancia Thema, 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 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lancia Thema. (217 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lancia Thema. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1986 Lancia Thema 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 | 1986 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | Riviera | Thema |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2445 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2670 mm |
