1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara

To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 34 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 150 more horse power than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (161 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 801 kg more than 2005 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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 417 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (200 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Citroen Xsara. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2005 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2005 Citroen Xsara 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 2005 Citroen Xsara
Make Buick Citroen
Model Riviera Xsara
Year Released 1971 2005
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7468 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 311 HP 161 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 617 Nm 200 Nm
Torque RPM 2600 RPM 5500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 8.3:1 10.8:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 2040 kg 1239 kg
Wheelbase Size 3110 mm 2620 mm