1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element 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 145 more horse power than 2009 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 911 kg more than 2009 Honda Element. 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 Honda Element, 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 399 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Element. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Element 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 Honda Element | |
| Make | Buick | Honda |
| Model | Riviera | Element |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2580 mm |
