1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Holden Gemini
To start off, 1988 Holden Gemini is newer by 17 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 239 more horse power than 1988 Holden Gemini. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1988 Holden Gemini. 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, 1988 Holden Gemini, 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 501 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Holden Gemini. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1988 Holden Gemini | |
| Make | Buick | Holden |
| Model | Riviera | Gemini |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2410 mm |
