1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 109 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 80 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 303 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (314 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Buick | Dodge |
| Model | Riviera | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2770 mm |
