1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 16 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 163 more horse power than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 855 kg more than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Buick | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Riviera | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2640 mm |
