1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1068 kg more than 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500.
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, 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick Riviera. (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick Riviera. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 | 2009 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Riviera | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2730 mm |
