1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 6 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 145 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Riviera weights approximately 980 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 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 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 1972 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Riviera | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 65 L |
