1972 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 is newer by 9 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 154 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (96 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240.
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 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Buick Riviera | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Buick | Volvo |
| Model | Riviera | 240 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2660 mm |
