1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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 163 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 841 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
