1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Audi R8
To start off, 2012 Audi R8 is newer by 41 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, 2012 Audi R8 (525 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 355 kg more than 2012 Audi R8.
Because 2012 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Buick Riviera. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi R8 will offer significantly more control. 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Audi R8. (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Audi R8. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2012 Audi R8 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 | 2012 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Buick | Audi |
| Model | Riviera | R8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 525 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2649 mm |
