1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1977 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1977 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Riviera 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 141 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 370 kg more than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice. (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1977 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2950 mm |
