1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air
To start off, 1972 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 557 kg more than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Bel Air |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 3859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
