1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2002 Opel Vectra is newer by 31 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 103 more horse power than 2002 Opel Vectra. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 560 kg more than 2002 Opel Vectra. 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, 2002 Opel Vectra, 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 317 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Opel Vectra. (300 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2002 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Buick | Opel |
| Model | Riviera | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2840 mm |
