1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 155 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 802 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 422 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Forte has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Forte 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 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Buick | Kia |
| Model | Riviera | Forte |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2649 mm |
