1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 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 207 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 848 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. 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 Mazda 3, 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 472 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1598 cc |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2650 mm |
