1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2008 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2008 Buick Lucerne is newer by 37 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 114 more horse power than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2008 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 423 kg more than 2008 Buick Lucerne. 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, 2008 Buick Lucerne, 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 308 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Buick Lucerne. (309 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2008 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 309 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2940 mm |
