1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2004 Vector M12
To start off, 2004 Vector M12 is newer by 33 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, 2004 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 410 kg more than 2004 Vector M12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Vector M12. (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Vector M12. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2004 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 2004 Vector M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2004 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Buick | Vector |
| Model | Riviera | M12 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2750 mm |
