1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1988 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Bonneville 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 161 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. (150 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 534 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. 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 Pontiac Bonneville, 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 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1988 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2820 mm |
