1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ (510 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1971 Buick Riviera. (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1971 Buick Riviera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 79 kg more than 2012 Jaguar XJ.
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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (624 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Buick Riviera. (617 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Buick Riviera.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Buick | Jaguar |
| Model | Riviera | XJ |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 624 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 3157 mm |
