1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 38 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 84 more horse power than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (227 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Buick Lucerne. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 278 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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 296 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2009 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Buick | Buick |
| Model | Riviera | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3880 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1762 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 |
