1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (161 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2685 mm |
