1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 83 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 615 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 406 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2710 mm |
