1971 Buick Riviera vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 163 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 740 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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 Mazda 3, 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 434 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1971 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | 3 |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2639 mm |
