1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 39 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 50 more horse power than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (261 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 779 kg more than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. 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, 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. (353 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt has manual transmission. 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
Make Buick Chevrolet
Model Riviera Cobalt
Year Released 1971 2010
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7468 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 311 HP 261 HP
Engine RPM 4200 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 617 Nm 353 Nm
Torque RPM 2600 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 8.3:1 9.1:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 2040 kg 1261 kg
Vehicle Length 5560 mm 4590 mm
Vehicle Width 2040 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 3110 mm 2630 mm